Table of Contents
Advertisement
A A p p p p e e n n d d i i x x
If there is a risk from these products—and at this point
we do not know that there is—it is probably very small.
But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential
risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your
exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a
key factor in how much exposure a person receives,
reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless
phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless
phone every day, you could place more distance between
your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure
level drops off dramatically with distance. For example,
you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone
away from your body or use a wireless phone connected
to a remote antenna
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that
wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned
about the RF exposure from these products, you can use
measures like those described above to reduce your RF
exposure from wireless phone use.
6. What about children using wireless phones?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users
of wireless phones, including children and teenagers. If
you want to take steps to lower exposure to
radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described
above would apply to children and teenagers using
wireless phones. Reducing the time of wireless phone
use and increasing the distance between the user and
the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
152
104
Some groups sponsored by other national governments
have advised that children be discouraged from using
wireless phones at all. For example, the government in
the United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such
a recommendation in December 2000. They noted that no
evidence exists that using a wireless phone causes brain
tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit
wireless phone use by children was strictly
precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence
that any health hazard exists.
7. Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks
from exposure to RF emissions?
Since there are no known risks from exposure to RF
emissions from wireless phones, there is no reason to
believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits
can be used with wireless phones for convenience and
comfort. These systems reduce the absorption of RF
energy in the head because the phone, which is the
source of the RF emissions, will not be placed against
the head. On the other hand, if the phone is mounted
against the waist or other part of the body during use,
then that part of the body will absorb more RF energy.
Wireless phones marketed in the U.S. are required to
meet safety requirements regardless of whether they are
used against the head or against the body. Either
configuration should result in compliance with the safety
limit.
8. Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the
head from RF radiation work?
A A p p p p e e n n d d i i x x
153
Advertisement
Table of Contents
